Wed | Aug. 1, 2018 | 10:15 AM

The local government of Alaminos, Pangasinan recently received P14.7 million financial grant from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for the re-programming of the Hundred Islands (HI) Engineered Kawayan (E-Kawayan) Project.

Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste (left) presents to Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo (right) bamboo products with the PAGCOR logo during theMOA-signing on the reprogramming of the HI E-Kawayan Project.

The Memorandum of Agreement  between PAGCOR and the City government of Alaminos, which was signed last July 26, 2018 at PAGCOR’s Corporate Office in Malate, Manila, specifies the use of the P14.7 million grant for the project’s reprogramming.  Such reprogramming includes equipment modernization, human resource development, bamboo nursery establishment, bamboo plantation, and processing and manufacturing.

In 2012, PAGCOR donated P15 million for the “HI E-Kawayan” Project. The first phase of the project generated close to 200 jobs for the residents of Alaminos and those from nearby communities. From the city's existing 7,000 bamboo clumps to start the project, additional 10,000 clumps were planted in 2013. The project also provided propagation, processing and manufacturing trainings to over 300 farmers and workers.

Some of the finished products of the E-Kawayan Project were high quality bamboo chairs and tables, which were initially donated to Brgy. San Vicente Day Care Center and the city's People's Park.

As of 2018, the project's shop – which manufactures various bamboo products like clocks, lamp shades, plaques, tables, and name plates – has recorded sales amounting to more than P650,000.

Alaminos City Mayor Arthur F. Celeste thanked PAGCOR for its financial contribution in the sustainability of the project. “Eto pong E-Kawayan project na sinuportahan at pinondohan ng PAGCOR ay napakalaking bagay not only in Alaminos City but also in the whole 1st district of Pangasinan especially because of its livelihood aspect. Our district is a bamboo producer because it is a coastal district. Nung wala pa yung bamboo factory natin, dinadala pa sa ibang munisipyo ang ating mga kawayan, kung minsan nakakarating ng Cavite, kung minsan naman sa San Carlos City dahil mahilig din silang gumawa ng bahay-kubo na gawa sa bamboo. But with this project, technology was brought in. Yung engineered kawayan na ginagawa namin ngayon, pwede na naming ipagmalaki aside from our famous tourist attraction, the Hundred Islands," said the city official.

According to Celeste, the city government truly believes that the HI E-Kawayan is a promising undertaking, that despite the challenges in project implementation, the local government has exerted efforts to allocate funds to keep the project going. With the recent financial support from PAGCOR, Celeste said Alaminos City can immediately proceed with the reprogramming. Celeste also hopes to share the project with more cities and municipalities. He mentioned ongoing efforts such as negotiations with the Department of Education on the manufacture of armchairs for the public schools and tie-up with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology for livelihood services to inmates.

Meanwhile, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo expressed optimism that the HI E-Kawayan project will continue to provide livelihood opportunities to the residents of Alaminos and the neighboring communities. “We hope that PAGCOR’s additional financial support will help sustain your noble endeavor in the years to come,” Domingo said.

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